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Bachelor's of Science

Social Science

Understand the forces that shape people, communities, and society with SUNY Empire’s online social science degrees. 

You’ll explore topics like power and privilege, cultural systems, political structures, and historical change while developing real-world skills in research, critical thinking, and communication. Whether you’re interested in a sociology degree online, a bachelor’s in cultural anthropology, or want to design your own social science path, this flexible program prepares you for meaningful work in social services, government, education, and more. 

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Program Overview
Career Outcomes
Next Steps
Meet Your Professors

Program Overview

Social Science

 
Earn your social science degree online and build the critical thinking, research, and communication skills you need to understand society and succeed in careers that create positive change. 

Format

100% Online

How it Works

Tuition

$295 / credit

Tuition & Fees

Credits

64 for associate degrees, 124 for bachelor’s degrees

Course Catalog

Next term starts

Fall 2025 

    • Course List:  Bachelor’s Degree programs in Social Science must meet the six foundations listed below. Associate degree programs are required to meet just the first three.  

    • 1. Broad Social Perspective 

       

       

    • 2. Historical and Comparative Perspectives 

       

       

    • 3. Perspectives on Power and Privilege 

       

       

    • 4. Theoretical Perspectives 

       

       

    • 5. Social Science Research Methods 

       

       

    • 6. Critical Thinking and Analysis 

       

       

    • Foundation #1: Broad Social Science Perspective  Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):  

    • ANTH 1010 

      Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 

       

    • SOCI 1005 

      Exploring Society: An Introduction to Sociology 

       

    • SOCI 2010 

      Introduction to Race Class & Gender 

       

    • SOCI 3100 

      Sociology of Law 

       

    • POLI 1005 

      Introduction to Political Science 

       

    • POLI 2010 

      The U.S. Political System 

       

    • Foundation #2: Historical and Comparative Perspectives 

    • Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):  

       

       

    • ANTH 3015 

      Environmental Anthropology 

       

    • ANTH 3020

      Families in Global Perspective  

       

    • ANTH 3025

      Health & Illness in Global Perspective  

       

    • ANTH 3035 

      Latin American & Caribbean Societies  

       

    • CRJS 2005  

      Introduction to Criminology: Theorizing Crime

       

    • GSST 1005 

      Introduction to Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies 

       

    • POLI 3005 

      America's Founding Ideas 

       

    • POLI 3020 

      Comparative Politics 

       

    • POLI 3105 

      The American Presidency 

       

    • POLI 3115 

      The United States Constitution 

       

    • SOSC 2005 

      Schooling in America 

       

    • SOCI 2020 

      Social Problems in US Society 

       

    • SOCI 3020 

      Memory & Society 

       

    • SOCI 3025

      Contemporary Global Social Issues 

       

    • SOCI 3055 

      Family & Society 

       

    • SOCI 4035 

      Privacy Security & Freedom: Social Concerns for the 21st Century 

       

    • Foundation #3: Perspectives on Power and Privilege  Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to): 

    • ANTH 3122

      Sex & Gender in Global Perspective 

       

    • CRJS 4030 

      Women Crime & Criminology 

       

    • GSST 2005 

      Introduction to LGBTQ+ Studies 

       

    • GSST 3008 

      LGBTQ+ Youth & Education 

       

    • GSST 3152 

      Queering American Culture 

       

    • POLI 2013 

      Race in United States Politics 

       

    • POLI 4015 

      Race Law & Politics 

       

    • SOCI 3010 

      Aging & Society 

       

    • SOCI 4030 

      Power & Privilege 

       

    • Foundation #4: Theoretical Perspectives  Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):  

       

       

    • POLI 3080 

      Modern Political Theory 

       

    • SOCI 3125 

      The Sociological Imagination 

       

    • SOSC 3015 

      Great Conversations in Social Thought 

       

    • Foundation #5: Social Science Research Methods 

       

       

    • Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):  

       

       

    • SOSC 2010 

      Statistics for the Social Sciences 

       

    • SOSC 3020 

      Qualitative Social Science Research: Design & Methods 

       

    • SOSC 3025 

      Social Science Research Methods 

       

    • Foundation #6: Critical Thinking and Analysis 

       

       

    • Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):  

       

       

    • Any 3000 or 4000 level course in ANTH 

       

       

    • Any 3000 or 4000 level course in GSST  

       

       

    • Any 3000 or 4000 level course in LEST  

       

       

    • Any 3000 or 4000 level course in POLI  

       

       

    • Any 3000 or 4000 level course in SOCI  

       

       

    • Any 3000 or 4000 level course in SOSC 

       

       

Ready to Apply?

The deadline for the Fall 2025 term is August 1. How to Apply
 

Gain Insight Into Human Behavior and Society 

What you'll learn

  • Understand social, political, and cultural systems
  • Analyze power and privilege in society
  • Apply social science research methods
  • Think critically about modern social issues

Level Up Your Career With a Degree in Social Science 

An online bachelor’s degree in social science prepares you for careers that make a difference in people’s lives. Possible paths include: 

  • Social Services Provider 
  • Policy Analyst 
  • Community Program Coordinator 
  • Government or Public Affairs Specialist 
  • Educator or Advocate 
Career Services
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I chose SUNY Empire because of the convenience of online education and faculty support.
Xavier
 ‘23

Interested? Start Here

1

Take the First Step Toward a Degree in Social Science

We’re here to support you every step of the way, helping you design a personalized social science degree and build the skills to launch a career in advocacy, education, policy, or public service. 

 

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2

Check for Prior Learning Credits

Put your past experience toward your degree. Use transfer credits, work experience, or life skills to get a head start, save money, and earn your degree faster.

How To Get Credits

Normal Program Length
Your Prior Learning
Your Prior Learning
3

Apply for a Social Science Program 

Make sure you have all the admissions requirements and complete your application to be ready for our next term! 

How To Apply

Next start term

Fall 2025

Deadline to apply

August 1

Start Your Degree

as soon as September 2, 2025.

Meet Your Professors

Our experienced faculty bring decades of real-world expertise across the social sciences, including sociology, political science, and cultural anthropology. They’re here to help you build skills in research, analysis, and communication — so you can better understand the world around you and prepare for impactful careers in education, public policy, social services, advocacy, and beyond. 

All Faculty
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Nadine Fernandez

Professor
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Marie Pennucci

Lecturer

Interested in a Social Science Degree?

Learn more and get started.

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